HB 5590
Create a limited and predictable water-quantity review framework for High Impact Data Centers (HIDCs) in West Virginia.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill creates a framework for reviewing the water usage of ‘high impact data centers’ (HIDCs) in West Virginia. Before construction, HIDCs must publicly announce their anticipated water needs and submit detailed information to the Department of Environmental Protection. The Department will review these plans to ensure that the data center’s water withdrawals won’t negatively impact existing water supplies for other users, particularly during droughts. Annual reporting of actual water usage is also required, with no new permitting processes created.
Key provisions
- Requires public notice of anticipated water usage before construction.
- Requires submission of projected water withdrawal information to the Department of Environmental Protection.
- Limits Department review to water quantity considerations only.
- Allows approval only if withdrawals won't reduce available water below existing lawful demands.
- Mandates annual reporting of actual water withdrawals.
- Allows existing reports to satisfy reporting requirements.
- Clarifies that the bill does not create a new permitting program or expand water quality regulations.
- Excludes microgrids and electric generation facilities from the scope of the bill.
Who is affected
- High Impact Data Centers (HIDCs)
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Public Water Systems
- Industrial Users
- Agricultural Users
Notable changes
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